Substance Abuse

Dr. Krakow is a highly qualified psychiatrist with years of experience
in the treatment of addictive behavior. Addiction is a compulsive
behavioral pattern in which a substance, object or activity has
evolved into the predominant focus of an individual’s life,
to the exclusion of almost all other concerns. By definition, the
addicted individual has lost the ability to appropriately control
their use of the substance, object or activity. This behavior inevitably
results in devastating consequences, with destruction of their physical
health, mental health, career and all the relationships with those
they love. Substance abuse/addiction is a brain disorder that can
be treated successfully.

His research and training in the field of addiction medicine has
equipped Dr. Krakow with a full range of psychotherapeutic and psychiatric
approaches. In 1996, he earned his specialty certification from
the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Psychiatry and,
after further training, from the American Board of Psychiatry and
Neurology for subspecialty certification in Addiction Psychiatry.
He had previously received his Medical and Surgical Licenses from
the State of New York and, shortly thereafter, was licensed by the
New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Controlled Substances.
In addition, Dr. Krakow has special certification that allows him
to treat patients with opioid dependence with Suboxone (bupenorphine).

Dr. Krakow incorporates a cognitive behavioral approach in a structured,
goal-oriented treatment, focusing on immediate problems so that
patients unlearn old habits associated with abuse, and learn—or
relearn—healthier skills and habits. Dr. Krakow frequently
finds that people with substance dependence have failed to learn effective strategies
for coping with the challenges, problems and pressures of adulthood,
especially when substance use has begun in adolescence.

Even if an individual had effective strategies at one time for
dealing with stressors, these skills have probably deteriorated—through
repeated reliance on substance use as a primary means of coping.
Basically, these patients have forgotten these once-effective strategies
because of chronic involvement in a drug or alcohol-using lifestyle
in which much of their time has been spent in acquiring, using,
and recovering from the effects of the addictive substance.

Both substance abuse and addiction can be successfully treated,
but the treatment process is much easier and much more likely to
succeed if it is begun early on. Once Dr. Krakow has successfully
led a patient through detoxification, treatment does
not end there: there is considerable risk of relapse. Medications
can be prescribed that block cravings and treat other issues that
might instigate a return to abusive behavior patterns. Additionally,
there are medications Dr. Krakow can prescribe for the adverse health
effects of substance abuse, including seizures or psychotic symptoms,
and for overdoses from opiates.

Dr. Krakow counsels his patients not to be disheartened if they
suffer a relapse. In his experience, even individuals determined
to "stay clean" often suffer one or more relapses before
achieving long-term sobriety. While these are certainly setbacks,
they do not mean that a person cannot recover from addiction. The
individual may need to undergo a new cycle of treatment but the
doctor assures his patients that long-term sobriety can be
achieved.